Meditations (A Penguin Classics Hardcover)

This is a review for the hardcopy Penguin Classics translated by Martin Hammond. Please note that many of the reviews seem to be for a kindle version that is a different translation. Such a joy to read. Since Marcus Aurelius was writing for himself and only himself, there is an honesty and intimacy in the words -- as if his nobler self were writing reminders knowing he would need them during his weaker moments (including, literally, when he didn't feel like getting up in the morning). Some of the reviews here criticize the translation but I've really enjoyed it -- it is clear, unpretentious and unadorned, well suited to the philosophy it conveys -- and because the language is contemporary it sounds, to my ears, almost timeless so that, in its best moments, it sounds like words of wisdom for any age and not merely words reflecting the concerns of a man who lived 1900 years ago. The book itself is also attractive -- compact and sturdy with a pleasant font. The print, however, is small (probably around an 8 pt font).

The author, editor, translator is great but his notes bring Marcus Aurelius alive. You gain information about him, his time of living, and his background in Stoicism. It's great and a great read.

I have several translations and find this to be one of the best. The notes and index are a great help and the size makes it easy to travel with. Beautiful cover too!

I’ve been trying to read this book for a long time at my local library but with life and short time window I could never finish it before paying 25$ in late fees so my bf bought me this book, the cover is beautiful it’s perfect size to carry with me in my purse daily and is so worth it!

Just picked up my copy. Having no point of reference to work off, I opted for this one. Just an FYI, this copy has a lot of jibber-jabber. The actual 12 books of Meditations, runs from page 3 to 173. The remaining 153 pages are notes, explanations, definitions....jibber-jabber. Not fluff, just not what I will be utilizing with this book. Otherwise, I think this book will be as foxed as my copy of The Havamal.

Great book by a great emperor.

Definitely, we can learn from him today. This book is great. Love the color, the print size, and look of leather. I keep it handy to read from often.

I’ve had this book for about 5 years now. I remember, the first time reading it, still a teenager, many of the messages flew over my head. And yet I still found it to be an incredible piece of wisdom. 5 years later, I’ve reread it 5 times, roughly once per year. Each re-read, I’ve found something new. The Meditations’ relevance nearly 2000 years later is a testament to the fact that human beings always have been, and always will be, beautifully flawed.